Combination juvenile furniture



June 9, 1964 J TRENT ETAL 3,135,970

' COMBINATION JUVENILE FURNITURE Filed Oct. 22, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR 5 J m: K. TRENT By Mr. rm Russsu: ENE/w J 1964 J. K. TRENT ETAL COMBINATION JUVENILE FURNITURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 22, 1959 INVENTORS JANE K. TRENT By Mum RLGSEIL Tim/r W 3 m United States Patent Office 3,135,970 Patented June 9, 1964 3,135,970 CGMBHNATION JUVENILE FURNITURE .iane K. Trent and Walter R. Trent, both of 47 Middiesex Ave, Menlo Park, NJ. Filed Oct. 22, 1959, Ser. No. 848,165 7 -Claims. (Ci. 2)

This invention relates to an article of juvenile furniture suitable for a variety of uses during infancy and childhood. More particularly, the invention resides in a convertible playpen which can readily be changed into a comination seat and table or a crib, as may be desired. In other embodiments of the invention it is adaptable for conversion into still other items required for child care, such as an elevated tub for bathing the baby.

Among the objects of the invention are: the provision of a single space-saving article of furniture suitable for several different uses, thereby replacing a plurality of juvenile furniture items, with resulting economy; the manufacture of juvenile furniture so constructed as to be continually suitable for a baby or child because it can be lowered, elevated or converted as the infant grows; the manufacture of juvenile furniture so constructed as to minimize bending and straining by the adult caring for the child; a foldable combination furniture article which is easily transported or stored; and a novel seat-table with a surrounding rail of adjustable relative height. Further objects will be readily apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination playpen, seat-table and crib, in seat-table form;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, this time in playpen position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevation of the swingable plate member which adjustably holds the platform to the enclosure end;

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a platform section which includes a bath tub; and

FIG. 5 is a partially sectional elevation along plane 5-5, illustrating the preferred embodiment of a platform member which closes the opening in a platform section.

In FlG. l the seat-table position of the invention is shown and the enclosure illustrated includes extra hinges on the side members to permit optional folding of the enclosure to half size, as well as to flat position. In FIG. 2 the furniture article of the invention is shown in playpen form and does not include extra hinges, so that it is not foldable to half size, although it may be folded fiat. The description immediately following is of the article of furniture of FIG. 1 but the numerals designating parts thereof have the same significance where used in the other figures too.

Numeral 11 represents an enclosure shown extended to full size for use as a playpen, seat-table or oversized crib or bed. Vertically extending balusters 13 and end posts 15 form straight sided ends 17 and foldable sides 19 in conjunction with horizontal rails 21 and 23, the latter rails being hinged to permit folding. A flat horizontal platform 25 comprises two sections 27 and 29. At the ends of the platform sections adjacent to the enclosure ends there are fastened to the bottoms of the platform sections U-shaped fittings 31 which serve as bearings for bolts or pins 33 which hold plates 35 when nuts 37 are tightened. Bolts 33 and nuts 37 may be placed through any of the holes 39 of plates 35, thereby holding the platform section higher or lower, as desired. Similarly, bolt 41 and nut 43 may be associated with any of the holes 45 in end post 15 to allow additional variation in platform height. Washer 47 holds plate 35 away from binding contact with post 15. As is evident from the drawing, plate 35 can be swung downward to provide another series of platform positions below pin 33, allowing the platform to be adjusted in height from the bottom to the top of the enclosing structure. If desired additional holes may be provided in the end post or the plate 35 may be lengthened to assure that the platform can be raised and lowered over a maximum range. If platform 25 were of one-piece construction, four plates 35 would be sufficient to hold the platform where desired. However, with a two-piece platform additional supporting means are required for safest operation of the enclosure. In the device illustrated spring loaded pins 49 project from a housing 51 fastened to the under sides of platform sections 27 and 29 at both sides thereof. A series of holes extends part way through balusters 53 and pins 49 fit into them at the desired positions. Holes 55 are so located that they conform to the various heights at which the platform ends can be set, so that the platform will be maintained in a horizontal plane. Also by means of spring loaded pins and holding means into which the pins fit the platform sections can be alined and excessive sidewise play can be avoided. Thus, pin 57 in housing 59 fits in another housing 61 to prevent any transverse movement of the platform sections. To simplify the illustration and prevent confusion of parts, only one such arrangement is shown but it is evident that at least two should be employed for best holding action.

In platform section 27 an approximately square opening with rounded corners 63 is somewhat centrally located. In this opening, when set up for seat-table use, there is held a seat, preferably a removable car seat 65. Although such seat may be held in place merely by the weight of the baby sitting in it, for more positive connection snap fasteners or other suitable holding devices are employed. Such snap fasteners 67 are shown on the platform and mate with snaps on the under side of seat frame 69, not illustrated. The snaps are so located that the seat may be turned around to face the baby in any desired direction. Thus, he may be faced toward the center of the enclosure for play and toward the outside for feeding. Seat 71 comprises a seat section 73 under the platform supported by strap 75 suspended from frame 69. Attached to the seat 71 are hook means 77 for supporting the seat on a car seat, usually on the back of the front seat of a car, when the seat is removed from the platform. As will be noted from the construction, seat back 79, hooks 77, frame 69 and seat 71 all fold to flat condition for storage.

When seat 71 is removed from the platform and it is desired to convert the enclosure to playpen or other use requiring a continuous platform section, platform member 81 is moved into closed or use position. In use position spring loaded pin 33 fits in the passage in holder $5 to sustain the weight of a child above the platform member. To return the platform member to storage position it is swung about hinge 87 in an arc to position designated by 89, where pin 91 fits in holder 85. By such arrangement the platform member is kept at hand and properly positioned without danger of loss.

When circumstances dictate or make it desirable, the area of the enclosure may be reduced. Hinges 93 permit the portions of sides 19 adjacent thereto to be folded inwardly, after removal of platform section 29. Platform section 27 may still be supported as before. Seat 71 may be left in place, making a smaller seat-table, or platform member 81 may be moved to closed position after removal of the seat. The continuous platform or seat-table may be changed in height as may be desired. Alternatively, other suitable platform sections or structures may replace platform member 81 to fit the present combination furniture article for still other functions. Platform sections 27 or 29, depending'usually on which sides of the enclosing structure are collapsed, may be replaced with other sections such as 95 in which there is included a flexible tub for bathinette use. Tub 97 includes a drain and drain tube, as well as a platform portion 99 and U-fittings suitable for engagement with bolts 37 for support. Spring loaded pins are also used to hold the inner ends of the section to the side balusters of the enclosing structure.

To collapse the present device to make it easy to store and transport, the platform sections are disengaged from each other and the side balusters and are swung into position parallel with the enclosure end walls. Locking plates 101 are swung open, releasing pins 103 and hinges are folded to flatten the enclosure. After collapsing the device, auxiliary parts such as the car-seat and tub, if substantially flat as shown, may be stored within the folded unit.

Specific embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the drawing. Although these are preferred forms of the invented article at present, it is clear that various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted without removing such modified device from the scope of the invention as measured by the claims allowed. Thus, the invention has been shown applied to a folding balustered playpen. It is not required by all the claims that the end and side walls must be of this certain design and it is possible to utilize cloth or mesh walls. The enclosure need not be folding and, if of folding design, it need not fold as illustrated. It need not be of square cross-section, even a circular section being feasible. Other changes in design may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art who has read this specification. A one-piece platform may be used with only less thereby being in convenience of use. Other supporting means than the plates 35 may be used. One such arrangement comprises holes in the end posts and certain balusters with spring loaded pins or dowels fitting into them and supporting the platform. The seat need not be completely removable from the platform, although if it is not an important advantage of the invention is given up. The seat may be made foldable and storable, without removal, in position under the platform.

Wheels or rollers may be afiixed to the bottoms of the end posts to facilitate movement of the apparatus from room to room; usually the enclosure reduced to half size will be readily rolled through even narrow doorways. Other means for holding up the central portions of the platform may be used, as may other hinge designs and locks for rigidifying the foldable sides. Additional means may be employed to raise the platform, such as telescoping or otherwise adjustable legs. Car seats of other designs may be utilized and may or may not be positively removably fastened to the platform.

This invention may be used from the day the baby is brought home from the hospital until the child is about two years old. Even thereafter it may be used by the child as a storage bin for toys or as a table. At first it may be used in half size with a continuous platform and a mattress as a crib r, padded with blankets, a bassinet. To ease the task of caring for the child and to void subjecting it to drafts the platform height will be elevated. When giving the baby a bath the platform will be replaced with the tub. As the baby grows older the enclosure may be opened to full size to serve as a playpen, dressing platform or even an enlarged bed. The height above the floor of each of these may be easily adjusted for the particular circumstances; usually the younger the baby and more care it requires, the higher will the platform he set. When the child is able to sit up the enclosure may be used at either half or full size as a seat-table. Adjusted to topmost position, the child has an uninterrupted view of his surroundings. Lowered somewhat, the balusters serve as a barrier to prevent his toys from being dropped or pushed oif the table. Easy regulation of the seat-table height permits the seat to be placed at that height where the child may just touch the floor with his legs, facilitating his learning to place weight on the legs and helping him to strengthen them so as to develop them for walking. In raised position as a seattable or elevated playpen has a walled area below it (bounded by the side and end balusters) which may be used as a convenient storage space for the childs toys. If desired, an additional floor member can be provided for the bottom of the enclosure to prevent stored items from contacting the floor. When taken for automobile rides the seat of the seat-table becomes a car seat.

The many uses of this invented article of junvenile furniture give it several obvious advantages over assemblages of devices, each of which performs a single function. However, there are other less apparent benefits resulting too. The child, having become familiar with the structure as a bed or crib, will be less reluctant to be kept in the playpen or seat-table embodiments. It will not be strange to him. Also, the various forms of the invention are interchangeable at a moments notice to fit the childs mood. When he becomes tired of sitting, it is the work of only a moment to convert to bed or playpen form.

The invention has been described with respect to specific examples but still other modifications and equivalents within the claims will be obvious to users of it or readers of this patent.

What is claimed is:

1. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table comprising a vertically extending enclosure structure having straight walled ends and foldable sides, a fiat horizontal platform covering substantially the entire area of the enclosure, the platform being of two sections, one of which contains an opening, one end of each section being securable in a plurality of positions at enclosure ends adjacent thereto, means attachable to the sides of the enclosure for supporting the other ends of the platform sections in a plurality of horizontal planes of different heights, a seat under the opening, removably attachable to the platform and adapted to be held thereto in a plurality of positions so that an infant sitting in said seat may be faced in any of a plurality of desired directions, and a platform member, which, when the seat is removed from the platform, is adapted to close the opening therein, making a continuous horizontal platform useful as a playpen floor or crib bottom.

2. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table for infants comprising a vertically extending enclosure having straight walled ends and foldable sides, a fiat horizontal platform covering substantially the entire area of the enclosure, the platform being of two sections, one of which contains an opening, one end of each section being securable in a plurality of positions at enclosure ends adjacent thereto, means attachable to the sides of the enclosure for supporting the other ends of the platform sections in a plurality of horizontal planes of different heights, a seat under the opening, also adapted for hanging and bearing on the back of an automobile front seat for use as an infants car seat, which seat is removably attachable to the platform and adapted to be held thereto in a plurality of positions so that an infant sitting in said seat may be faced in any of a plurality of desired directions, and a platform member which, when the seat is removed from the platform, is adapted to close the opening therein, making a continuous horizontal platform useful as a playpen floor or crib bottom.

3. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table for infants comprising a vertically extending enclosure having straight walled ends and foldable sides convertible to half length to form an enclosure of reduced size more suitable for crib use in conjunction with a raised platform, a flat horizontal platform covering substantially the entire area of the full enclosure, the platform being of two sections, one of which contains an opening, one

end of each section being securable in a plurality of positions at enclosure ends adjacent thereto, means attachable to the sides of the enclosure for supporting the other ends of the platform sections in a plurality of horizontal planes of different heights, a seat under the opening, removably attachable to the platform and adapted to be held thereto in a plurality of positions so that an infant sitting in said seat may be faced in any of a plurality of desired directions, said seat also being adapted for hanging from and bearing against the back of an automobile front seat for use as an infants automobile seat, and a platform member which, when the seat is disengaged from the platform, is adapted to close the opening therein, resulting in a continuous horizontal platform useful as a playpen floor or crib bottom.

4. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table for infants comprising a vertically extending enclosure having straight walled ends and foldable sides, a fiat horizontal platform covering substantially the entire area of the enclosure, the platform being of two sections, one of which contains an opening, one end of each section being securable in a plurality of positions at enclosure ends adjacent thereto, means held to the sides of the enclosure for supporting the other ends of the platform sections in a plurality of horizontal planes of different heights, a seat under the opening, means for attaching the seat to the platform section about the opening therein, the seat being removably attachable to the platform and being adapted to be held by the attaching means in a plurality of positions so that an infant sitting in said seat may be faced in any of a plurality of desired directions, means for holding the separated seat to the back of an automobile front seat for use as an infants automobile seat, the seat, attaching means and holding means being foldable to substantially fiat form, a platform member adapted to close the opening in the platform when the seat is removed therefrom and means for storing the platform member under the platform when not in use, the playpen assembly being collapsible by raising the platform sections and folding in the sides to thin rectangular form, with the folded seat fitting inside to facilitate packing in minimal space and to simplify shipment and storage.

5. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table according to claim 3 in which the platform sections are both removable from the combination article of furniture and are replaceable by other platform sections of other structures to suit the combination article for still other uses.

6. A combination playpen, crib and seat-table for infants comprising a vertically extending enclosure having non-folding planar ends and foldable planar sides of upper and lower rails and intermediate spaced balusters, the non-folding ends being bounded by vertical end posts, swingable plate members pivoted at points on the ends between the rails, a two section flat horizontal platform covering substantially the entire area of the enclosure,

the outside ends of the sections being pivotally fastened I to the plate members so that in a downwardly extending position of the plates the platform ends are at playpen floor level and at an upwardly extending position they are at seat-table height, means held to the sides of the en closure for supporting the other ends of the platform sections in horizontal planes at playpen and crib or seattable heights, one. of the platform sections having an opening therein, a seat under the opening, removably attachable to the platform and adapted to be held thereto in a plurality of positions so that an infant sitting in said seat may be faced in a plurality of directions, as desired, and a platform member which, when the seat'is removed from the platform, is adapted to close the opening therein.

7; A combination playpen,crib and seat-table for infants, according to claim 6 in which the swingable plate members are pivotable at a plurality of points along their lengths and at a plurality of positions on the end posts, so as to be adaptable to set the platform in horizontal planes at any of a plurality of desired heights for intended use.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,175,673- Anderson Mar. 14, 1916 1,632,790 Fryer June 21, 1927 1,737,276 Taglang Nov. 26, 1929 1,827,687 McCandless Oct. 13, 1931 2,234,562 Klopfer et al Mar. 11, 1941 2,255,791 Klopfer et al Sept. 16, 1941 2,386,721 Sedita Oct. 9, 1945 2,461,123 Miller Feb. 8, 1949 2,551,999 Ditty May 8, 1951 2,553,579 Harris May 22, 1951 2,586,251 Peebles Feb. 19, 1952 2,595,532 Leitner May 6, 1952 2,631,302 Bryant Mar. 17, 1953 2,729,411 Cahill Jan. 3, 1956 2,806,511 Merelis Sept. 17, 1957 2,854,060 Welsh Sept. 30, 1958 

1. A COMBINATION PLAYPEN, CRIB AND SEAT-TABLE COMPRISING A VERTICALLY EXTENDING ENCLOSURE STRUCTURE HAVING STRAIGHT WALLED ENDS AND FLODABLE SIDES, A FLAT HORIZONTAL PLATFORM COVERING SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE AREA OF THE ENCLOSURE, THE PLATFORM BEING OF TWO SECTIONS, ONE OF WHICH CONTAINS AN OPENING, ONE END OF EACH SECTION BEING SECURABLE IN A PLURALITY OF POSITIONS AT ENCLOSURE ENDS ADJACENT THERETO, MEANS ATTACHABLE TO THE SIDES OF THE ENCLOSURE FOR SUPPORTING THE OTHER ENDS OF THE PLATFORM SECTIONS IN A PLURALITY OF HORIZONTAL PLANES OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS, A SEAT UNDER THE OPENING, REMOVABLY ATTACHABLE TO THE PLATFORM AND ADAPTED TO BE HELD THERETO IN A PLURALITY OF POSITIONS SO THAT AN INFANT SITTING IN SAID SEAT MAY BE FACED IN ANY OF A PLURALITY OF DESIRED DIRECTIONS, AND A PLATFORM MEMBER, WHICH, WHEN THE SEAT IS REMOVED FROM THE PLATFORM, IS ADAPTED TO CLOSE THE OPENING THEREIN, MAKING A CONTINUOUS HORIZONTAL PLATFORM USEFUL AS A PLAYPEN FLOOR OR CRIB BOTTOM. 